Inter-firm cooperation plays a central role for the success of internationally operating firms, both large firms, but specifically small and medium sized enterprises. Inter-firm cooperation can take various shapes and forms and research shows that because of differences between the cooperating parties, such cooperation is difficult to manage and is thus often highly unstable. The objective of this course is to provide you with insights into the factors that are crucial to the success of inter-firm cooperation.

Upon successful completion of this course you will:

1. Become aware of the various types of inter-firm cooperation that are available to internationally operating firms, specifically small and medium sized enterprises
2. Be able to recognize how particular characteristics of inter-firm cooperation affect the management and stability of such cooperation.
3. Develop the skills needed for solving the challenges faced by firms when considering the establishment of, and when managing inter-firm cooperation
4. Demonstrate the ability to use and critically reflect on different sources of information, including AI.
5. Demonstrate improved critical thinking and problem solving skills.
6. Improve communication skills necessary for effective team performance. 

Regular attendance is a requirement to pass this course, you cannot be absent for more than 20% of the total course time. 

This course will comprise introductory lectures, but will focus on team work, coaching, interviews with practitioners, and discussions. This is a highly interactive course. Thus, students are expected to be fully engaged and participate in class discussions. The course is designed in such a way as to maximize your ability to identify, use and critically reflect on different sources of knowledge within your autonomous team and individual work. All course documents, assignments, lecture notes, etc. will be posted on the course website on Canvas.

Assessment will be based on both individual and team performance. Please note that successful in-class participation involves not only attending class but also frequently contributing to the discussion by answering questions, engaging in a thoughtful analysis of the discussed cases, building on other students’ ideas, and synthesizing across readings and discussions. 

Assignments with percent of total grade:

• Team presentation/discussion 1 20%
• Team presentation/discussion 2 20%
• Team presentation/discussion 3 20%
• Individual Reflective Report 40%

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I will be available for in-person meetings by appointment, e-mail address: amohr@wu.ac.at